The dangers of texting and driving

With the ever-growing prevalence of technology in our day-to-day lives, it’s no wonder that it has affected our driving. Although some of these technological advances have proven beneficial, others have shown that they can be deadly. This is often the case with texting and driving, which can result in a devastating accident that can leave unsuspecting motorists with serious injuries. In the worst cases, they die.

In fact, the CDC has found that car accidents, many of which are caused by distracted driving, are the leading cause of death for teenagers. Making matters worse, these young motorists are most at risk for texting and driving behaviors, which can increase the chances of being in a wreck by as much as 23 times.

So, why is texting and driving so dangerous? It takes one’s eyes of the road, of course, but the distance that can be traveled in that time is staggering. One study found that while traveling 55 miles per hour, an individual who looks at his or her phone for a mere five seconds can travel the length of a football field without even seeing the road. During this time, a driver can veer into oncoming traffic, fail to yield to stopped or slowed traffic, fail to yield to pedestrians and even drive off the road completely.

Those who have been injured in accidents caused by negligent drivers know the pain and suffering that can be felt in the crash’s aftermath. In addition to their physical and emotional strain, they can also be dealt a financial blow in the form of medical expenses and lost wages. In hopes of recovering the damages they have suffered, these individuals should consider pursuing a personal injury lawsuit.